Following the interdepartmental introduction of Chinese language teaching, the Ionian University and Beijing Language and Culture University signed a Framework Agreement establishing the Joint Research Institute “Hellenic Sinology Center (HSC).” HSC operates as an independent Joint Research Institute within the framework of the University Center for Research and Innovation of the Ionian University (UCRI) and is supported in its functions by the UNESCO Chair on Threats to Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage-related Activities (TCHAIR) of the Ionian University, the Laboratory for Geo-Cultural Analyses (GEOLAB) of the Department of Foreign Languages Translation and Interpreting (DFLTI), School of Human Sciences, and the World Heritage Center at the Beijing Language and Culture University.

HSC serves as a bridge and platform for the promotion of academic collaboration between China and Greece and SE Europe and Eastern Mediterranean in the fields of Sinology and Chinese Studies. Specifically, and aims to promote collaboration between the Beijing Language and Culture University and the Ionian University. HSC defines Sinology and Chinese Studies in the broadest possible way to include research and academic activities that involve scholars and students in Chinese Studies and/or in topics relevant to Chinese Studies. HSC facilitates mobility and joint research projects involving scholars at both parties. Further, HSC is supporting the offering—in the framework of the Ionian University’s’ departmental academic programs—of Chinese-related courses and seminars like (indicative) Chinese philosophy, culture, cultural heritage, etc. with credit and degree at the Ionian University and jointly cultivating master's degree, doctoral degree, and post-doctoral degree holders in the field of Sinology and Chinese Studies. The Centre reaches into all relevant academic units and collaborates with relevant research environments of both collaborative parties.